Sherilyn watches her older sister Carmen go from a success-in-the-making to a runaway with a bad news boyfriend. When Carmen asks to come home, Sherilyn agrees with their mom's tough love response. (full text)

The writer grows apart from her beloved siblings after a family tragedy. Watching her sisters fall apart, she feels guilty but realizes her survival depends on finishing school and going to college. (full text)

Marlene feels she missed out on a lot of opportunities all through high school because she had to take care of her siblings. She wants to be a teenager, because for too long she's played the role of an adult.

When Tamara moves to a new foster home, she has to share a room with Cheryl, whom she dislikes. At first they fight, but eventually see they have things in common and that they can learn from each other. In time, Cheryl becomes the sister Tamara has always wanted.

Charlene, 12, takes responsibility for her five brothers and sisters when their mother becomes disabled by drugs. She gets them to school, oversees their homework, and does the household chores. Eventually Charlene goes into foster care, and vows to be good parent to her future children.